Festivals Together

This is a resource guide for celebration, and for observing special days according to traditions based on many cultures. It brings together the experience, sharing and activities of individuals from a multi-faith community. Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, ,Muslim, and Sikh. It draws on backgrounds as diverse as north and west Africa, the Caribbean, China India, Ireland, Japan, New England, the Philippines and more. Its unifying thread is our need for meaning, for joy.

Here are stories, songs, crafts, activities and recipes for sharing throughout the seasons - from Eid Holi, EASTER and Wesak to Advent, Divali and Chinese New Year. Children and adults alike will enjoy the tales of Anancy the spider trickster, of Ganesh and how he got his elephant head and why the sun and moon live in the sky. Festivals Together is a book for classroom family, or community gathering. You can learn how to make percussion instruments kites the really fly, a Filipino Christmas star, Chinese lanterns , spring flower festival decorations , diva lamps or Christingle oranges! Original seasonal songs by Jehanne Mehta complement traditional folk favourites such as Sakura and Christmas a Come.

Festivals together seeks to enrich and widen our celebration experience and to reflect the 'global village' nature of modern society. As a learning tool or ' just for fun' it offers a creative influence for children today